JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. — Ten Virginia Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 192nd Security Forces Squadron, 192nd Wing, returned to Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, from a six-month deployment in Afghanistan on Oct. 23, 2019.
After reuniting with family, friends and fellow Airmen, they began their official administrative return process the following day and were greeted by the Virginia Air Component Commander, Brig. Gen. Toni Lord, and the 192nd Wing command team.
“First of all, I want to thank you and I appreciate all that you do for the unit,” said Lord. “I appreciate all the work you did during this deployment. I heard nothing but good things.”
The deployers also met their new wing commander, Col. Mark Piper, who took command Aug. 11.
“[It’s] good to meet you all for the first time,” said Piper. “Whether or not you’re flying Raptors, defending a base, or doing paperwork … it all has an essential role … thanks for what you do. Welcome home!”
Their primary mission was to perform flightline security. In addition, one Airman was part of a fly-away security team and another volunteered with the base hospital as an escort and assisted with medevacs.
As flightline security, the Airmen teamed up with other active duty, reserve and guard members to provide critical first response to any contingency on the flightline. They regularly responded to indirect rocket fire and stood ready to assist with emergency situations.
“Job well done on your six-month deployment to Afghanistan, and we greatly appreciate the sacrifices and service that you and your families have made on behalf of our nation,” said Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher L. Amburn, 192nd Wing command chief, in a post on his official Facebook page.
Now that they are home, they will be taking a well deserved break before re-integrating with the rest of their fellow Airmen to resume the home mission of the 192nd SFS; training for deployment and standing ready to aid, protect and defend the Commonwealth of Virginia and its citizens.